Camilla Jessen
For the first time in history, Russia has deployed an intercontinental ballistic missile in combat.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted to reports of Russia deploying an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) to target the city of Dnipro on November 21.
“Today, Russia used a new missile. Its parameters—speed, altitude—all align with those of an intercontinental ballistic missile. Expert evaluations are ongoing. Clearly, Putin is treating Ukraine as a testing ground,” Zelenskyy stated in a press release.
“It’s equally clear that Putin is terrified of normal life existing next to him—of people who live with dignity and a nation that simply wants and has the right to be independent,” the president added.
Earlier in the day, Ukraine’s Air Forces reported that Russia launched an ICBM at Dnipro for the first time since the full-scale invasion began.
“Our irrational neighbor once again showed their true nature today—despising dignity, freedom, and human life itself,” Zelenskyy continued. “They’ve demonstrated how deeply they fear these values.”
The date, November 21, holds significant meaning for Ukraine as the Day of Dignity and Freedom. It commemorates two transformative moments in the country’s recent history: the Orange Revolution in 2004 and the Revolution of Dignity in 2013.
“Putin is doing everything in his power to keep his neighbor under his control,” Zelenskyy said. “I am deeply grateful to every Ukrainian defending our country against this evil—resiliently, courageously, and with unwavering dignity. Dignity is a defining word for Ukraine, one that will likely never again describe Russia.”